Clever way to bridge the gap

Katherine Townsend

Six apartments in a converted Fitzroy building will feature century-old brickwork and salvaged timber.

It might seem a long bow to give a Fitzroy development a name most associated with a river down Geelong way but six apartments in Argyle Street will include timbers salvaged from the 1920s bridge at Barwon Heads.

Featured in the television series SeaChange, the bridge was built in 1926 to span the mouth of the Barwon River. Long, low and flat - and built entirely of timber - it was reputedly the oldest remaining of its type when it was replaced in 2010 amid much controversy.

Barwon Heads' loss has been Fitzroy's gain, however. The timbers were salvaged and transformed into custom-made flooring that will be a feature of The Barwon development that will rework a century-old warehouse to create five single-level, three-bedroom apartments with a three-bedroom, two-level penthouse on top. A project of Malphus Developments, the bridge timbers are a key interior element, with markings from the original iron bolts and the distinctive grain and patina of the timber's age still apparent in the wide, dark boards. Set against the warehouse's century-old brickwork, it creates a look that money can rarely buy.

The timbers were salvaged and transformed into custom-made flooring that will be a feature of The Barwon development.

The five single-level apartments range from 119 square metres to 141 square metres, with the penthouse significantly larger at 345 square metres. Two of the apartments, Bellarine and Flinders, have sold, as has the penthouse. Those remaining, named Middlemiss, Challis and McDonald, begin at $1,050,000 and are all 119 square metres with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car parks.

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Designed by Sasha Hadjimouratis at Sashimi Studios (formerly of Antarctica Architects) with interiors by Robert Davidov, the apartments make the most of the old while adding stylish new touches. The kitchens include marble benchtops and Ilve ovens and cooktops, and the bathrooms also feature marble tiles. Bedrooms have glossy full-height wardrobes. Apartments have lift access and there are only two apartments to a floor. The three remaining apartments have north-facing living areas opening to small balconies.

Early interest and sales have come from empty nesters and families drawn by the large (for Fitzroy) sizes, according to the developer. The project's small size means owners corporation fees are relatively low and pets are allowed.

Completion is expected at the end of 2013. A display suite is open onsite by appointment.